The Clause Blogs

By Lauren Belanger

Every year APU invites outstanding scholars to speak on their studies involving Wesleyan holiness in a lecture series. The series was named the Malcolm R. Robertson Lectureship on Holy Living in 1991. This year Dallas Willard of USC was the scholar asked to speak. Along with many other books, Willard wrote the book “Knowing Christ Today – Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge.”

An incredibly intelligent man of advanced years, Willard reminded me of a grandfather. One who seems to be very quiet at first, but has great pearls of wisdom waiting to be unleashed. His lecture didn’t have any fancy PowerPoint’s or YouTube clips. It was just him, speaking from his heart. Because he didn’t use any technology, you really had to listen, and in the end that helped me get more out of what he was saying.

His lecture was on living a holy life. He explained holiness as a positive sense of separation from the world. He said that knowing Jesus results in a profound transformation of character, a character in which you don’t feel forced to follow the Ten Commandments, but follow them because of your love for God. However, the main point of the lecture was that knowing and loving God is an interactive relationship. He had a shared experience with us because He sent Jesus down to live among us. Because of that we have an intimate relationship with Him, and should follow Him in all of our days.

By Anthony Montes

On September 28^th, the documentary I Want Your Money was shown in Wilden Academic Center. The initial release of the film is not until October 15^th. However business grad Joshua Millage was able to receive the movie beforehand.

“I went to the first showing, met the marketing director and convinced him to let us have a pre-screening here at APU,” Millage said.

The atrium was set up with rows of chairs, sadly only a small handful of students came to view the film. Those who did not attend missed out on a great experience. The film stated how our national debt is raging out of control. The main discussion bounced back and forth between the way President Regan ran the country and how President Obama is running the country. 

The pre-screening was put on by Millage’s organization Free Thinkers for Liberty. The purpose of this group is to create social and political change at APU. The organization plans to have documentary showings like I Want Your Money in the future to promote Conservative and Liberal conversations amongst the student body.

Overall, the documentary was awesome. Check it out once it releases. You won’t regret it.

By: Josh Ouellette

The Obamanomics versus Reganomics debate was held September 27^th by the Conservative Voice and the Writers for Liberty in the Wilden Hall room 228.

The discussion/debate had a panel consisting of Brian Hawkins, Derek Flinn, Joshua Mileage and Brett Friesen as discussion leaders. There were approximately 20 students in attendance. The discussion started with statements by the night’s discussion leaders and finished with a question and answer forum.

With Obamanomics being much more liberal and Reganomics a more conservative view, the two sides re-created the classic political battle of Left Wing vs. Right Wing.

While President Regan’s time in office has come and gone, his views and actions on the economy are still present in how many members of Congress cast their votes and assessments in political economic issues today. Reganomics are a belief that the economy can be saved by tax cuts and cuts to the federal budget, while trying to create more jobs at the same time.

While the conversation was at times purely one sided, the mediators and discussion leaders did their best to explain the economical policies of President Obama. Including the opposing stance to Reganomics, by spending more and pushing more money into the economy while increasing taxes.

One topic was the recent survey finding that one in every seven Americans lives in poverty. What was debated was whether spending more and giving poverty level based families cuts of the stimulus package is an ideal solution to this economical problem.

The discussion wrapped up with whether the government should, or should not bail out banks and credit unions, which are failing and nearing bankruptcy. One fear was that foreign banks would buy out the banks and gain a foothold on the U.S. economy. The other fear was that the government does not have the money to spend on said banks and credit unions.

By Pauline Hassan

Friday night, September 24^th, about 200 plus APU students put on their best to enjoy an evening pool side at University Park apartments with their fellow peers.  Live music, desserts, and beverages were served, along with an art display and a photography studio.

The apartment complex was adorned with icicle stringed lights, fire pits, and stations set for socializing.  Walking in was like leaving the university setting, and entering a high class event.

The event started at 8:30 and by 9 o’clock, elbow room was non-existent. Katie Bunker, who lives in UP admitted to the space being a little tight around the pool, but still loved the environment.

“I really like it; it’s really soft, and elegant and tranquil,” sophomore business marketing major Michael Henderson said.  He mentioned it being a great environment to meet people, from different backgrounds.

This year, there was a choice of either a $2.00 entrance fee, or a donation of an article of clothing, or canned food to help the homeless. 

“I like how we can enjoy ourselves, while helping homeless people, it makes this whole event mean so much more,” sophomore theater major Raquel Jimenez said.

For a few hours on Friday, students were able to have a great time in a safe environment with friends.  Jimenez described it as, “A beautiful night filled with beautiful people and a great way to start off the year.”

By Matthew Atha

On Friday afternoon, September 24^th, the School of Business and Management and the Scholars for Business Achievement (SBA) hosted “Modern Marketing” in Munson Chapel. This is the first in their Fall Business Speaker Series.

Serving as keynote speakers for the event were sisters Karen and Kelly Brereton. Kelly started a private marketing firm, Sagepath Inc., which now serves clients such as Coca-Cola, Lee Jeans and Kate Spade. Karen serves as the Director of Marketing for Hurley, which is part of Nike.

Each shared their different experiences in the world of marketing and then took questions from the audience of over 100 students.

“My title is business development and account manager, but as a small business owner I can be head of [human resources], the cleaning lady, or anything depending on the day,” said Kelly. “I like having a team I can count on and that they can count on me.”

In her comments, Karen discussed how she slowly gained promotions, was forced to learn on the go, developed her leadership skills, learned the importance of character, values and a strong work ethic.

The sisters took time to answer questions from students on their goals for the future, getting an MBA, their favorite part of the marketing industry, mentors, the effects of the economic downturn, and tips when applying for jobs.

“I thought it was really cool to get perspective from people in high up positions and to hear first-hand experience on what to do and what not to do in the world of business,” said freshman undeclared major, Chase Pritchett.

The School of Business and Management and SBA will be hosting four similar lectures throughout the semester.